30th April 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

The Chairmanship

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present: Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, W.J. May, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, T.J. Stick, E.J. Marchal, W.H. Kittow, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, H.E. Dudley, and C. Hummerstone, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

Capt. H.H. Williams was voted to the chair.

THE CHAIRMANSHIP

The Chairman said the first business was to elect a new Chairman of the Board.

Mr W.J. May said he had much pleasure in proposing that Mr C. Hummerstone be appointed Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Hummerstone had been on the Board for the past nine years, and no one had taken a keener interest in the affairs of the Board.

Mr A.J. Hayes seconded the proposition.

On taking the chair, Mr Hummerstone said he had hoped that Mr May would carry on for another year, but as it was the Board's wish that he (Mr Hummerstone) be elected Chairman he would do his best. (Hear, hear).

The Chairman moved that Mr F.B. Cannon be elected Vice-Chairman. The members all knew what interest Mr Cannon took in matters of local government. 

The Rev. L.W. Wright seconded.

Mr Cannon thanked the members for electing him and said he would do his best.

COMMITTEES

On the proposition of Mr W.H. Kittow, seconded by Mr G.C. Wilson, the following were appointed to serve on the House Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G. Graves, C. Hummerstone, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, A.W. Page and G.C. Wilson.

Capt. H.H. Williams moved, and Mr F.B. Cannon seconded, that the following be appointed to serve on the Finance Committee:

Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, E.J. Marchal, A.W. Page and G.C. Wilson.

The following were appointed to serve on the Assessment Committee on the proposition of Capt. E.T. Morris, seconded by Mr E.J. Marchal:Gr

Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, H.E. Dudley, C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, T.J. Stick, and G.C. Wilson.

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 17, women 15, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year - men 21, women 17, children 3. Total 41. Casuals 18. Corresponding period last year 9. Since the last meeting of the Board 55 casuals have been relieved.

GIFTS

Gifts of books have been received from the Captain (Salvation Army), Mrs Veasey, Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Mrs J. Smith. On 28th the inmates were invited to a concert given by "The Bunties" Concert Party, and a most enjoyable time was spent.

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A discussion arose as to the increased number of tramps, and the Master as given instructions with regard to certain cases.

The Chairman said the Board were grateful to the donors of the gifts and to "The Bunties" Concert Party.

HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT

The House Committee visited the House on April 19th, and found the inmates carefully attended and comfortable.

The contract work to the day rooms, sick wards and scullery was well in hand. The question of dealing with the excess of tramps was discussed by the Committee.

The Committee also inspected the meat and found it quite satisfactory.

OFFICERS' SALARIES

The clerk read a circular from the Ministry of Health giving the average weekly cost per inmate for officers' salaries and rations, also of buildings and repairs. The following is an extract - Officers' salaries - Buntingford Union 7/5 and a half, Ware Union 9/3 and a half, Royston 8/5. Buildings and repairs - Buntingford Union 3/2 and a quarter, Ware Union 2/4, Royston Union 2/2 and a quarter.

The Chairman said the Buntingford figure of 3/2 and a quarter included the cost of the new heating arrangements.

RELIEF

Several cases of relief were dealt with by the Board, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

OVERSEERS

The Board appointed overseers for the following parishes: Broadfield, Buckland, Little Hormead, Meesden and Rushden.

GRANT UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL RATES ACT

The Clerk stated that the sum of £240 14s. 4d., under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, had been placed to the credit of the Guardians.

23rd April 1926 - Buntingford Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

Parade of Shawls

The President, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute, held at the George Hotel on Wednesday in last week.

A demonstration on basket and cane work was given by Mr R.A. Bunn, of the H.C.C., and was watched very attentively by the members. Mr Bunn afterwards raffled the tray he made and gave the proceeds of the draw to the Teachers' Benevolent Society. The tray was won by Mrs T. Dellow.

On the proposition of the President, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Bunn for his very interesting demonstration.

There were 30 entrants for the parade of shawls, and some beautiful specimens were seen. Mrs T. Dellow was awarded first prize, Mrs Mottram second, and Mrs Scarborough Taylor third.

Votes of condolence were accorded Mrs H.J. Fordham, whose husband was killed at the Puckeridge Races, and Mrs Tapper, of Cottered.

The question of the summer outing was discussed, and it was suggested that an historical place such as Hampton Court be visited this year. The matter was left over for discussion.

Tea was served by Mrs H., Mrs W.J. and Mrs J May, of Wyddiall.

9th April 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

Big Increase in Tramps

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday of last week.

Present - Mr W.J. May (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Capt. E.T. Morris, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. H.C. Marshall, C. Hummerstone, H.E. Dudley, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, F.B. Cannon, A.J. Hayes and G.C Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 18, women 14, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year 40.

TRAMPS

During the past month 56 casuals have been received, as against 13 for the corresponding period last year. On some nights we have had 12, although we have only accommodation for 10.

The majority of the tramps are young men under 40 years of age, who find tramping no hardship since the regulations have been altered. They are insolent, and make it known that they will not work two days for one night's lodging, and as each tramps is supplied with a chopper I do not think it safe to enforce the order. It is only those Unions that have proper constructed cells who can keep tramps for two days.

The blankets (24), which has been more than sufficient for our requirements in the past, are not enough now, and tenders for a further supply, also nightshirts, are before the Board today. It is not long ago since the Board were called upon to relieve 3595 tramps a year, which at the present cost of diet would mean a big charge upon the rates. The first year I was appointed we had 43 tramps, and I have been able to keep them somewhere near that number until the recent new regulations came into force.

After 20 years' experience with tramps, it is my opinion that the majority (with few exceptions) do not respond to kindly treatment, but look upon it as weakness on the part of the officers in dealing with them. Would the Board kindly consider the telephone being fixed in my office so that I am in close touch with the police?

GIFTS

Gifts of books have been receiving from the following and have been much appreciated: Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, Mrs H. May, Miss Bowers, Mrs Hamilton and Miss Lushington.

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The Chairman said he was sure the members felt that the Master ought to be supported, and it was agreed to install the telephone at once.

TENDERS

The following tenders were accepted for the current half year:

Meat - Messrs. W.G. Clark, Ware.

Bread - Mr C.S. Coates, 8 1/2d. and 9d.

Coal - Mr E.J. Sparkes, £1 15s. and £1 17s. 6d.

Milk - C. Smith, 1/- per gallon.

Haircutting - Mr C. Miles.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Groceries and Oilman's Goods - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Clothing - Messrs. Hirst, Kettlewell & Co.

Soaps - Messrs. McDoughall and Robertson.

Boots - Messrs. Wilkins & Denton.

Mr Hayes: I notice that no tenders have been received from Buntingford butchers. Were the tender forms submitted to them?

The Clerk: Yes.

Mr Hayes: I think the meat supplied to the Institution should be inspected from time to time. I saw some recently and it struck me that it was not English.

The Master said Messrs. Clark's contract was satisfactory. It was only during the summer months that the meat was ever discoloured, and on any occasion when it had arrived in that condition Messrs. Clark always changed it.

The Rev. L.W. Wright asked if there were any other tenders for the supply of coals, and the Chairman said there was one from Messrs. Nash, of Royston.

2nd April 1926 - County Library Scheme

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County Library Scheme

A FREE LIBRARY FOR BUNTINGFORD

A meeting to discuss the question of forming a Buntingford Branch of the Herts. County Council Free Library Scheme was held at the Parish Room on Saturday evening. Mr Claud Fraser presided and was supported by the Rev. A. Howard. There were about 20 representatives from the parishes of Aspenden, Layston, Wyddiall and Throcking present.

Under the County Library Scheme libraries are formed in the various towns and villages in the County and a supply of books, normally two per member, are sent periodically. There is no charge for membership or books.

The Chairman, after reviewing the scheme, said he thought it a very good one. It involved the Committee and members in no cost and he understood the books were very useful ones. If 150 members could be enrolled, they would be entitled to 300 books.

After a discussion, the Rev. A. Howard moved, and Mr W.J. May seconded that a library be formed. The following were elected to serve on the committee:

Layston - Mrs H.L. Baker and Miss Elliott.

Aspenden - Mr H.C. Marshall and Mrs H.H. Williams.

Wyddiall - The Rev. L.W. Wright and the Rev. A. Howard.

Throcking - The Rev. A.L. Panchaud and Mrs A.W. Page.

Mrs Macklin proposed, and Mrs A. Dixon seconded that Mrs Howard be asked to take on the duties of Hon. Librarian. Mrs Howard, after enquiring what the duties entailed, said she would accept.

The Chairman said they were very grateful to Mrs Howard for her promise of assistance. (Applause).

Mr W.J. May asked whether Sub-Libraries could be formed in the various parishes connected with the scheme, and the Chairman said he thought it would not be practicable at present. If any of the parishes choose to run their own scheme in conjunction with the County Council they could do so.

Mr A.G. Day said the Committee should consider what would be a suitable day and hour for opening the library. He thought the room should be open during the evening as some members would find it difficult to change their books during the afternoon.

Mr E.E. Dennis said he had made enquiries at Hertford, and had learned that gifts of books to the library would become the sole property of the library. The librarian would, however, have to render a return of all books presented. He understood that the next supply of books would be ready for despatch in April, and if members could be enrolled at once Buntingford could get a supply then.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chairman said he hoped as many as possible would take advantage of the scheme. When they had enrolled enough members the librarian could send for a supply of books. All that was necessary was for the public to sign a membership form, and Mr Day had kindly offered to have a supply of these in his shop.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and for the interest he had taken to the scheme.

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N.B. - It is important that membership forms be completed as soon as they are available, as after the April supply of books there will be no further supply for some two or three months, and should be membership increase immediately after the first supply, enough books may not be available for some time.